The group formed somewhat secretly late in 2013, following the demise of Boeckner’s relationship with former Handsome Furs bandmate/spouse, Alexei Perry.

Operators sounds very much like Handsome Furs, but with a more full sound, courtesy of Divine Fits drummer, Sam Brown. Alexei Perry has been replaced by the younger (and arguably hotter) Devojka.

I saw Operators at Republik this June during Sled Island Festival. Their performance was easily a highlight of the festival, for me. Dan Boeckner was amazing, as usual, but for some of the new songs he opted to play the synthesizer, instead of the guitar. These songs were no match for Boeckner’s rowdy, guitar-heavy numbers.

Operators perform their song “Cold Light” at Pitchfork Nightcap below: